Cancer can make your world feel very small. You put your professional life, hobbies, and passions on hold—or at least on a lower gear—to focus on healing. Feeling isolated because of your illness, with the dark days weighing on your mood? These tips will help you turn enforced rest during treatment into a period of comfort and joy. Ready to embrace some hygge during chemo? Yes, you can!
Hygge is the Danish recipe for happiness. Loosely translated, it means creating coziness. For the Danes, it’s an essential part of their culture, all about caring for others and yourself, and finding joy in small, everyday things. Could you use a dose of hygge during chemo? These five tips will get you started.
1. Cocoon yourself with candlelight
Did you know Danes burn far more candles than other Europeans? Each person burns around six kilos of candles per year! Candlelight instantly creates a warm, cozy atmosphere at home. Lighting a candle has something magical and deeply comforting about it. Stuck on the couch? Pamper yourself with a soft blanket and a few calming candles on the coffee table.
2. Unleash your inner crazy plant lady
There’s nothing more relaxing than getting your hands dirty with soil, taking cuttings, watering your plants, and—why not?—talking to that one sad little plant that needs some encouragement. Greenery brings oxygen into your home, lifts your mood, and caring for plants gives you a soothing activity. Chemotherapy might finally give you the time to turn your living room into a little jungle. Or bring a splash of color into your space with a fresh bouquet from the market.
3. Sort your photos and make albums
Still need to make that photo album from your vacation two summers ago? Or do you have hundreds of photos on your smartphone waiting to be organized? This is the perfect activity when your energy levels are low but you still want to feel productive. You can do it right from the couch while reminiscing about all those beautiful memories.
4. Play your favorite music
Do you have a song that makes you dance the second you hear it? Or a track that always touches your heart? Music has a powerful effect on your mood and mental wellbeing. Make a Spotify playlist for every mood, turn on your favorite radio station, or dig through your record collection and relive your all-time favorites.
5. Head outdoors for a boost of vitamin D
While it’s tempting to stay wrapped up in the safety of your home, try to go outside regularly. Breathe in the fresh air and take a short walk in your neighborhood. On a good day, head to a nearby park or nature reserve and enjoy the peaceful greenery. Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to recharge your batteries—refreshing and calming at the same time!
Are you a nature lover? Be sure to check out our 4 tips for enjoying the outdoors and boosting your energy!
